Reminder: Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals Events Set for April 11-12

The University of Virginia and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello will present their highest honors, the 2013 Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals in architecture, law and citizen leadership to, respectively:

Laurie Olin, a distinguished professor, author and renowned landscape architect whose designs include the Washington Monument Grounds in Washington, D.C. and Bryant Park in New York City.

Robert S. Mueller III, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who has led the bureau’s post-9/11 transformation.

Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach For America, which has inspired more than 38,000 top recent college graduates and young professionals to join the movement to ensure educational opportunity for all.

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals recognize the achievements of those who embrace endeavors in which Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, third U.S. president and founder of the University, excelled and held in high regard.

The awards are presented annually on Jefferson’s birthday – April 13, known locally as Founder’s Day – by U.Va., which he founded in Charlottesville in 1819, and by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, the independent, nonprofit organization that owns and operates his home, Monticello. This year, April 13 falls on a Saturday, so the medals will be presented Friday.

Leslie Greene Bowman, president and CEO of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, and U.Va.President Teresa A. Sullivan will present the medals, struck for the occasion, at a luncheon in Garrett Hall on Friday. The recipients will be honored at a dinner at Monticello on Thursday, and each will give a free public talk at U.Va. All events are open to the media.

The School of Law will host a public talk by Mueller on Friday at 10 a.m. in the Caplin Pavilion. Press passes will be required and can be obtained by contacting Brian McNeill (bmcneill@virginia.edu or 434-982-6832) or Mary Wood (wood@virginia.edu or 434-924-3786). Mueller will not be available for interviews before or after his talk.